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Reaver 4 (Talkus)

His dreams were vivid. It was good to dream again. He hadn’t slept in so long…

He walked through a verdant countryside. He had come out of the dense woods and all at once been greeted by waving rows of crops. He scared some crows out of a field of young corn as he made his way down the road.

He waved to a family toiling in the fields. He strolled up to their house along the lane. He walked out to the field.

“Hail good sir!”

The eldest man stopped his work and stood, placing his hands on the small of his back. He moved toward the stranger. “Hail yerself!” He closed the distance fairly quickly as they were walking to each other. “And what can I do for ya traveler?”

“I was wondering about the name of this place.”

The old man straightened his hat. “Garth, my friend.”

The traveler nodded his head imperceptibly. So, I’ve come farther south than I planned. “So I take it there’s a proper town down the road?”

“Oh, aye. Ya just keep goin for a few miles and y’ll be in Garth proper.” He turned back to his family and gave them some pointed remarks before turning back to the traveler. “Have ya got business in town mister…?”

“Hiiri.” The traveler stuck out his hand and the farmer clasped it firmly before letting go.

“Mister Hiiri then.”

“No, I have no business there per se. Just curious as to where I’d be spending the night. Thank you for the information. I’ll leave you to your work.” He turned to leave.

The farmer watched him go. The traveler kept to the lane and road. His son asked when the farmer’d be back to working. The old man turned, scowling and went back to work. He smacked his son good on the shoulder for his joking. It was returned with a laugh.

Hiiri walked the miles to Garth. He met no one else.

No gates. Interesting. A small hamlet indeed.

He ran into a young boy carrying a faggot on his back, the boy having been looking at his feet and not in front of him. He helped the lad up.

“Would you know where the boarding house is?”

The boy looked over his bundle before shouldering it. “Aye sir. If you’ll follow me I’ll take ya right to it. Me father owns the place.” They set off down the road.

Boarding house was the politest term Hiiri knew for tavern. The place he followed the boy to was rather large, most likely the largest building in town. Nice place. Hope the man’s not a thief.

“Well here it is sir. Speak ta me father for room and food.” The boy's face took a grim turn, “Mind ya don’t go messin with me sister. I may not be very big, but I’ll take the light from yer eyes I will.”

Hiiri chuckled and tousled the boy’s hair. “Don’t worry about me. I’m not the sort.” His smile seemed to take the grimness from the boy’s face. He carried his bundle around the corner hollering for someone to help him with the kindling.

Hmm, reminds me of him at that age.

Hiiri stepped thru the open doorway. A large common room set with four large benched tables and two fireplaces on either side greeted him. It was just after midday and the place wasn’t half filled. One table held a roaring match of over-the-top. Men tossed coins on the table for wager before locking in single armed combat. He noted a young woman of striking features carrying mugs and a platter to the table. The men not engaged handed her coin for the meal. As she turned away she bit each coin in turn.

Shrewd and lovely. That must be the boy’s sister. I see why he would want to keep the wrong sort away from her. She was tall, taller than Hiiri by a head at least. Her figure was not what would be considered lacking in any way. Her hair was brown like a chestnut. He watched her glide back behind the bar. And that must be her father.

The man she passed behind the bar was Hiiri’s height. He was broad and somewhat large of frame. He busied himself with cleaning. A man from a table addressed him. Hiiri sat at a table near the fireplace on the north wall.

“Could I get another ale Einion? The fields are callin, but my back is barking today.”

Einion’s voice was lighter than Hiiri had expected. It wasn’t high of pitch, but it seemed a voice more fitted for laughing than anything else. “Aye ya can get one Trevan, but don’t let yer boss come in here givin me the railin because you’re too drunk ta work.” He made to go back and fill the order, but the young woman slid past him. She had two mugs in her hand.

Einion called after her, “And where are ya going with both of those Blodwen?”

“You know Trevan wanted two da.” She sent him a wink and glided to the table.

“Yer drinks good sir.”

“Thank ya girl. Here, take an extra for yerself seeing as how ya know me so well.” He flipped the extra coin in the air and she caught it at the top of its arc.

The sound of an arm hitting the table was followed by many curses, none directed at the game or the girl. The men downed their ales as quickly as possible. An old woman had entered and was telling them to get on with what she paid them for. The men filed out after they’d made certain of their tabs with the young woman. Then she turned her attention to the newest arrival.

She had not seen the likes of this one before. She dwarfed him in height. He looked like a bundle of wires under a taut white sheet. His hair was the color of new darkness. His eyes burned with an intensity at once off-putting and alluring. She had never seen eyes like that before.

“And what will be yer pleasure sir?” She looked into his eyes.

Blue. “I’d like a drink or three, maybe a large game foul to go with them.”

She took a moment to reply, “I think we have somethin for that sir. You have the coin I’m sure.” She held her hand out.

Hard worker. Hiiri reached into his belt pouch and dropped three small lumps on the table. “This should suffice for my meal and the room I’m going to need for the night.”

She looked at him skeptically. “Ya mean ta pay with rocks?”

Hiiri picked up the lumps and held them up to her. The firelight played off of the rough cuts in them. They shone the same color as his eyes.

“You can’t be meaning to spend all that here? That’s worth more than a meal and room for the night. Ya could take and cut one in half and still be overpayin.”

Honest as well. Hmmm, makes me wonder.

He placed two of the nuggets back in his pouch and flicked the other into the air. She caught it. She stood there a moment looking at him. “Are ya sure you want ta pay this for what we offer?”

Hiiri smiled, “Blodwen, just let your father know I need the food and a room for the night.” He folded his hands on the table and looked into the fire. “If I need anything else I’ll ask for it.” He turned to look at her again. She was going back to the bar.

“Has anyone ever told you that you’re worth protecting?”

She stopped. He watched her. It’s like watching a deer freeze. She turned where she stood and gave him a quizzical look. “What do ya mean?”

His eyes were catching the firelight. They seemed to hold small sparks in them. “I understand that the usual compliments include exhortations of beauty and grace. Most men do that because they are overcome by you. I am overcome, but I’d rather be to the point about it. Has any man ever told you that he would protect you with his dying breath?”

She stared. He looks unreal. The way the firelight plays over him. It’s like I’m lookin at a demon. She shook her head fiercely. Calm down girl, it’s not but a man and a trick of the light.

“No. Can’t say that I have.”

“Shame…” He looked back into the fire.

She turned and moved back behind the bar. Her father had watched that scene.

“What did he say to ya just now girl? Is he gonna be trouble?”

She gathered some clean mugs and went into the kitchen. He followed her.

“He’s not gonna be any trouble da. He wants a room for the night, three ales, and a game bird for himself ta eat.”

Einion harrumphed, “And I assume he paid with promises eh?”

She dipped the first mug into an open barrel. “No. He paid with a nugget of silver.” She held it out to him and he goggled.

“He handed ya that? For a room and vittles?” He looked it over. It was a good size. “The man is touched in the head I’d say.”

She turned and went back out. Her father set the nugget down on the counter. “Finn, get in here a moment.” The boy that Hiiri had met on the road came in through a back door with a taller young man. The tall one spoke as he slung his axe into a resting position.

“You needed something master?” The boy had some kindling in his hands. He moved to the large stove and tossed it in. He leaned near it.

Einion addressed the young man. “I need ya ta look after Blod. That traveler out there seems a nice enough sort, but if he gets rowdy you know what ta do with him.”

“Yes sir.” Finn turned on his heel, axe over his shoulder, and exited the room. The sound of wood being split echoed behind the inn.

Einion rounded on the boy, “And don’t ya be getting any ideas there Iowan. I asked Finn ta watch him, not you.”

The boy only smiled as he slid around the cutting table. “I know da. I heard ya. Worry yerself not for me. I’ll keep an eye on the stranger.” He slid out the door before Einion could get a word in. Einion placed his hand over his face.

“The boys got heart, but not half any brains. I fear he came through as mostly me.” He looked to a portrait hung over the door to the common. He looked wistfully at it before returning to work. He had a bird to prepare.

“Here’s yer round sir. I hope ya wanted them all at once.” She slid the mugs down with practiced ease.

“I did want them all at once.” He arranged them on the table.

“Well the bird may be a little while, but ya’ve paid more than enough. I’ll let ya know if we need more payin for what you’re gettin.” She turned round and walked to another table not far away. She took a cloth from her sash and began wiping it down.

Hiiri watched for a moment. I’ll bet she’s the typical ‘barmaid with a pining man’. He quaffed an ale while she worked. No others entered the place. He felt like he was being watched though. He scanned the room and noticed a shadow in one of the back doorways.

“Excuse me Blodwen, but is it common for men to lurk behind door frames in this city?”

She turned to look at him, then to where his eyes were going. She didn’t see anything, but then a shadow shifted. It faded away like a man sliding down a corridor. She thought she knew who it had been and why.

“It’s not normal sir. But sometimes me brother and the hired man are about. I know that Finn can be a bit quiet. Maybe he was just lookin ta see what was goin on in here, it bein so quiet and all.” She went back to her cleaning.

Impressive answer. A truly remarkable female. A shame my partner isn’t here to see her. Hiiri drank another ale, this one more slowly than the first. The shadow didn’t come back.

He drank the last ale at a draught. He stood from his bench.

“I need to see a smith about some things. I assume there is one in town.”

She had moved to another table as he was drinking. She answered without looking up. “Aye there is one. He was part of that group a short while ago. He’s set up a few alleys down. Take a right out the door and follow the smell of horses and heated iron.” She finished with the table and moved to clear away the mugs. Hiiri walked out, one eye on her. She noticed.

The walk to the smith was short, but Hiiri was sure he was being watched. He heard the scuffing of booted feet nearby. The streets weren’t crowded, but the general din was enough to make the sound almost imperceptible. Reaver heard it.

A deep voice bellowed from the back of the smith as Hiiri rang the bell. “And what do you need on this glorious day?”

“I need to see a man about a sword.”

A horse whinnied out back. The smith tried to soothe the beast.

“Whoa there boy. Nothin here to spook a big charger like you.”

“Shall I come back later then?”

“No, no. Come on around the side here and let’s have a talk. I can shoe a horse and jaw at the same time.”

Hiiri walked out and around. The building was roughly square. The shoeing area had two stalls in it. One was currently occupied.

The man with a horse leg bent between his knees looked up. “Ah, a new face.” He went at the bent nail in the shoe with tenacity. His face turned slightly red. “Been a while since I seen your kind around here. You from the south then?”

Hiiri cocked an eyebrow. “Yes. I’m from the southern reaches. Why do you ask?”

“Same reason I ask anyone,” The nail flew past Hiiri and knocked into the other stall. The smith watched its arc before looking at Hiiri, “I’m curious.”

The man spit a nail into his hand and began tapping. The horse wasn’t being very cooperative. The nail went flush and the smith dropped the leg.

“Damnation will ya stand still? You’d think the beast smelled a wolf or something.”

Hiiri hid a smile. “Maybe I can help.”

“If you could I’d be very grateful.”

Hiiri stepped up to the animals flank. The creature seemed like it was going to bolt thru the partition. He laid his hand on the horse’s neck, and gripped. The beast immediately began bucking. The smith was nearly hit by the first convulsive kick. He fell to the side and scrambled up near the opposite wall.

The traveler seemed to be talking to the animal. The creature stopped bucking and stood frozen. When the traveler let go it didn’t move.

Hiiri retreated a few steps. “That should keep him quiet until I leave.”

The smith gave a nod. “You were saying something about a blade?” He inched back to the animal and gingerly lifted its leg, expecting a kick. None came.

“I was wondering if you knew something about the sword of Berahild.”

The smith looked up as he finished the last shoe. “Can’t say that I have. Any particular reason?”

“It’s supposed to have special properties against magic, specifically the magic of demons.”

The smith hung his nails, hammer, and an extra shoe on the stall’s partition and motioned for Hiiri to follow him. “Nope, don’t know that one.” He shrugged, “Sorry I can’t be more help.”

Hiiri gave a dismissive gesture. “That’s all right. I had hoped you’d know, but I’ve been disappointed before.” Hiiri turned to leave the storefront.

“Is that all ya needed then?”

Hiiri kept walking, talking over his shoulder. “I don’t ride horses and I have all the weapons and armor I need. So, yes I’m afraid. Good day to you.”

The smith went at a plowshare he’d been heating. After a few minutes of beating it looked fair to set aside in the fire again. He went to check on the horse. It was still standing there, stock still.

As he went back to the inn Hiiri heard a scuffle in a nearby street.

Ah, a dispute come to blows. Might as well take a look.

He ventured around a corner and found two boys locked in a grapple. Some of their friends were standing by, egging them on. They saw Hiiri and the whole scene stopped.

Hiiri made a circular motion with his hand. “Continue. No need to stop because you have a spectator.”

The two that had been grappling looked at each other. They’d not heard an adult talk that way before. The towheaded one spoke.

“You’re not gonna tell anyone we was fightin?”

The taller brown haired boy piped in, “No way Gwyn. He’ll tattle us fer shur.”

Hiiri smiled at them, all of them. Some of the spectators moved away from him.

“Boys. You have my word as a warrior against evil that I won’t tell anyone.”

The two looked back at each other. They separated. The towhead turned to Hiiri while the others watched.

“Warrior against evil? You sound like an old storybook.”

Hiiri laughed. “An old storybook? No I assure you I have earned that title.” He knelt down and began looking into each boy’s eyes in turn as he spoke.

“I have rescued damsels from corrupt priests. I have stolen precious goods out from under the noses of unseeing officials. I have defended myself against bandits. I dealt harshly with a group of supposed tax collectors. Now I am here.”

The boys were semi awestruck. The stranger’s words were captivating. Somehow they knew he was telling the truth. Something in his eyes sang to them.

One of the spectators shook his head, almost like he had cobwebs in his hair.

“All well and good sir, but I think I hear me mum callin. Don’t you lads too?” He thumped the nearest boys on their backs and they agreed sheepishly. The only one left with Hiiri was the towheaded boy. The sun was beginning to set.

Hiiri reached out and grabbed the boy by the shoulder. He locked eyes with him for a long moment before speaking. “You ought to run home son. No telling what things might find you in the dark.” His voice had a soothing quality.

The boy seemed in a daze. “You might be right sir. I should get home now.” He turned and stumbled down the alley. His eyes glassy and vacant.

Hiiri walked into the inn shortly thereafter. The sun had just gone down. The rosy light cast his shadow on the floor. He called for Einion. The reply came from the kitchen.

“Is that the sir that ordered the bird earlier?”

“It is indeed friend. Bring it out if it’s ready, and a few more mugs.” He sat near the bar. Einion came from the kitchen. The platter he carried steamed gently and held what looked to be a fair sized pheasant. Hiiri thanked the man for the viands.

He devoured the platter in a few short minutes. He did not bother with the bones, but merely tossed them into the fire. Finn was in the doorway opposite. The traveler wasn’t crude in his manners, but there was something that didn’t sit right.

Hiiri dropped a leg bone in the fire. “Young man in the door. Would you mind coming out and helping me with something?”

Finn froze. When did he?

“Oh come now.” The traveler stood up. “Your boots gave you away. I just need help with something very small.” Finn stepped out into the open and saw the traveler holding forth…a wishbone?

The traveler shook the bone lightly. “I can’t throw this in the fire without breaking it first. Ill luck comes from unbroken wishbones.” The traveler sat back down and indicated Finn sit across from him.

Finn crossed the room warily and sat down.

“Is this what you wanted me for?”

The traveler smiled. “Why else would I call you? You’re not the cook, the cleaner, the barmaid, nor the kindling fetcher.” He held the bone up and Finn grasped the other end.

“To your wish young Finn, may it be true sooner than you think.”

Did Blodwen tell him my name? No, couldn’t be. They pulled as one and Finn got the upper part. Oh, whoever’s listening, let Blodwen see me as a worthy man and not just another vagrant her father hired out of pity. Hiiri sat back and tossed his part into the fire. “Ah well. I was hoping for a free night here, but I guess that’s not going to happen.” He held his hand out and Finn gave him the bone. Hiiri threw it into the fire.

“Any chance you know where Blodwen is?”

The question caught Finn off guard.

“Why do you ask?”

“Well your wish was about her I assume. You had the faraway look of a man with desires.”

Finn turned red, his face hardened, he stood and looked the stranger in the eye. “What do you mean by that?”

Hiiri cocked his head slightly. “Never told her?”

Finn looked ready to smash the table. “What did you mean by that?”

The traveler mocked him with a smile. “Only that you love the girl and wish that she would see you as a worthy man and not just another vagrant her father hired out of pity.”

Finn’s head of steam suddenly grew cold. He looked like he’d seen a dead man walk into the room. “What?”

The traveler stood with the platter. As he spoke Finn grew more at ease, but not totally. “Don’t be silly man. I can tell you’re not from around here. You don’t have the native accent. Odds are you floated into town and got a job at the inn, as most travelers do. The woman is striking. You thought her the prettiest thing you’d ever seen. Then you watched her work and live and found yourself smitten. I doubt you’ve told her of this. You lack courage in only that; you believe you won’t measure up to her standards, or her father’s. Why not try?”

Finn’s jaw fell open slightly. How did he? His mouth closed slowly. He righted himself mentally before speaking.

“You’re right stranger. I don’t know how, but you are.” He sat down again, heavily. “I just can’t get the words out when she’s around.”

“Perhaps I can help with that.”

“What? Are you going tell her for me then?”

“No. You will tell her yourself. Oh Blodwen!”

Finn started. “Now?”

The traveler looked down with a grim countenance. “You have a better plan?”

In a corner now…or maybe not. Blodwen came down the stairs. She was finishing tying her sash.

“And what do ya need sir?” She looked at the mess on the table. “Oh, and why didn’t,” she turned to the kitchen door, “me father take care of that for ya?” Hiiri put the platter down and she placed the mugs on it.

“Tell her.”

Blodwen slowed down. Tell me what?

Finn looked angrily at Hiiri. “I have nothing to say.”

Hiiri shook his head and dropped onto the bench. He looked into Blodwen’s eyes. “He has a confession to make.”

Blodwen looked at Finn. I’ve never seen him so anxious. Confession?

Finn looked down. “I have nothing to say.”

Hiiri kicked Finn’s leg under the table. Finn yelped and stood, looking with something akin to murder at Hiiri.

Hiiri spoke in the interim. “He has had certain feelings for you for quite some time." He smiled that mocking smile at Finn, “He’d be better to tell it. I’m not the one in love.”

She gaped at Finn. “What?”

Finn’s words came out like a bursting dam. His eyes never left the floor.

“From the day I first arrived you made it difficult for me to look in your direction. I could no sooner see you than be struck dumb, numb, and utterly brain dead. I was enchanted by your beauty before I asked for the job and ever since I have been in even greater pains.” He paused to catch his breath and raise his eyes. “Watching you…be you, is tortuous to me. I can’t take a moment’s peace from the sound of your voice or the sight of your face. They haunt my dreams in the sweetest of ways.” Blodwen was obviously stunned. Finn missed this and continued. “I told myself that I could not do this. There is no way that you would ever accept a penniless wanderer who chops firewood and does odd jobs around town as a potential husband.”

Blodwen’s eyes grew large. Her voice was barely audible. “Husband?”

Finn heard and latched on to the word. “Yes, husband. I could think of nothing else this past month. I have been unable to sleep for wanting you, but I could not ask.”

Hiiri rolled his eyes. “Poetry he has, courage he has not.”

They both turned to Hiiri. They seemed to just be remembering he was there. Hiiri looked over to the kitchen door. “Got all that Einion?”

The other’s turned as the door opened. Einion’s face was a mask of red fury. He held a cleaver in his hand and jumped the bar much easier than could be expected. He charged Finn.

“Marry…my…DAUGHTER!?”

The cleaver hit the table with a resounding crack. Einion left the tool quivering in the wood. He grabbed Finn and lifted him from the floor in a crushing hug. “Why didn’t ya ask me sooner boy?”

Finn sounded like he couldn’t breathe, “What?”

Einion set the man down. “Aye! I’d have let her go with ya at less than a thought. You’re a good man, and she needs one.”

Blodwen regained herself. Her face became hard. “And what says I want ta marry him?”

Finn looked devastated. Hiiri broke in.

“Because he’s always been there. You never see him, but he is. Think about it and you’ll see, hear, and know the truth.”

Blodwen looked at Hiiri. She thought back and couldn’t think of a time he’d been around.

Hiiri tried to jog her memory. “The wolf, the man in the road, remember?”

“There was a wolf once. Iowan was sick and I went ta get wood for the fire. I found it lyin next ta the road. It was dead.”

“And the man?”

She had to think again. “There was the one propped against a tree. I thought he was asleep, but he had a horrid wound in his chest. I ran back to town after that.”

Finn had his head down. Einion had taken a seat. He spoke now.

“You didn’t think about the dressing on Finn’s arms and leg that day did ya?”

She looked incredulous. “He said he’d gotten into a fight with someone.”

Einion nodded. “He didn’t lie.”

Hiiri stood up and slapped Finn on the back of the head. Finn pitched forward and stumbled into Blodwen. She caught him.

Hiiri punctuated his slap with words. “Tell the woman fool!”

Finn had no choice but to look into her eyes as he spoke. He couldn’t well keep his head buried in her shoulder.

“The wolf was alone and sick. I was following you to make sure you’d make it back safely. The thing didn’t howl when it caught your trail. I saw it. It didn’t run either. It was walking after you. I split its head and dragged it into the woods as best I could.”

His eyes had tears in them from the sting in his head. Hers for a different reason.

“The man had seen me following you and wanted to know if I’d share you. I shared my axe with his breast. I left him where he fell.”

Hiiri stood. “And that, as they say, is that.” He patted Finn on the shoulder as he walked past. “On that heartwarming note I’m going to get some sleep. I will see you all on the morrow.” He climbed the stairs. He opened his door, flopped on the bed, and dropped away into a dreamless sleep.

He awoke to the smell of burning. What’s going on?

His first instinct was to jump up, but he was already on his feet.

He stood in the center of a small town. Everything was ablaze. He had something in his hands. He looked down to see the face of Einion. He dropped the head and it was laughing.

Sleep well?

He tried to grasp what was happening. He remembered that man. Was it a dream or… What have you done?

You were asleep my dear. I had to take us somewhere other than that blasted forest. I found this nice little hamlet called,

Garth…

Yes! That’s the name. I met some fine people here and well…you know how it goes. I got hungry and they all looked sooo tasty. I didn’t leave any for you I'm afraid.

Reaver slowly turned. His dreams hadn’t been dreams at all…but this…

The blacksmith…

I ate his heart while he still drew breath.

The children…

Such young, tender souls. If you listen you can hear them screaming.

The innkeeper…

Off with his head!

Finn…

Torn limb from limb for raising a hand against us.

The woman…

Defiled and dead next to the one who tried to save her.

Hiiri screamed…and screamed…and screamed…

Shahjolka laughed.